Fort Wayne Felony Crimes Lawyers

Defending Against Serious Charges in Allen County, IN

Indiana defines felonies as offenses carrying a prison sentence of more than 1 year (IC 35-50-2-1). Additionally, felonies can be penalized by a fine of up to $10,000. These criminal sanctions are not the only ones a person can suffer if they are found guilty of a felony. Several collateral consequences are attached to these offenses, such as the loss of voting rights, the loss of gun rights, an inability to find a job or a place to live, and disqualification from government benefits. Thus, being convicted of a felony can make it difficult for a person to re-establish themselves as a productive member of society, even after they have done their time or paid their fine.

If you were accused of a felony, retain legal services for help fighting your charge. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can seek to minimize or even avoid the penalties you can face. At Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., we are aware of the life-changing consequences that can result from being charged with or convicted of a serious offense. That is why our Fort Wayne felony crimes attorneys work diligently to protect the rights of the people we help. We are client-focused and genuinely care about safeguarding the futures of the accused. We do everything in our legal power to seek the best possible result in a felony criminal case.

For the legal representation you need, reach out to our team by calling 
(888) 912-7220 or contacting us online.

Examples of Felonies in Indiana

Compared with misdemeanors, felonies are the more severe offenses. The Indiana Code enumerates various types of acts that may be charged as felonies. Depending on the conduct involved, these crimes can be prosecuted at different levels, with lower-numbered felonies being the most serious crimes.

A few examples of felony crimes in Indiana include:

• Kidnapping (IC 35-42-3-2): This offense involves knowingly or intentionally transporting a person from one place to another by the use of fraud, enticement, force, or threat. It is a Level 6 felony.
• Robbery (IC 35-42-5-1): A person commits this offense when they intentionally take another's property by using force or fear. It is a Level 5 felony.
• Promotion of human sex trafficking (IC 35-42-3.5-1.1): This crime is committed when a person uses force, coercion, or fraud to cause another individual to marry someone or engage in prostitution or sexual conduct. It is a Level 4 felony.
• Aggravated battery (IC 35-42-2-1.5): This offense involves causing injury to another person that puts them at substantial risk of death or results in serious permanent disfigurement, long-term loss or impairment of a bodily function, or the loss of a fetus. It is a Level 3 felony.
• Child sex trafficking (IC 35-42-3.5-1.3): A person may be charged with this offense if they sell a child for the purpose of making them engage in prostitution or sexual conduct. It is a Level 2 felony.
• Causing death by a controlled substance (IC 35-42-1-1.5): Charges for this offense are levied when a person deals or manufactures specific controlled substances, and an individual dies as a result of using the drug. It is a Level 1 felony.
• Murder(IC 35-42-1-1): This offense occurs when someone knowingly or intentionally kills another. It is a felony carrying its own penalties.

Various crimes are charged as felonies, but regardless of the severity of the offense, our felony attorneys in Fort Wayne will vigorously defend you.

Penalties for Felony Convictions

As noted above, Indiana has six different levels of felonies and murder, which is a separate category.

The penalties that may be imposed when someone is convicted of a felony depend on the level:

• Murder:
  • Between 45 and 65 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines;
  • Death; or
  • Life imprisonment without parole
• Level 1 felony:
  • Between 20 and 40 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• Level 2 felony:
  • Between 10 and 30 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• Level 3 felony:
  • Between 3 and 16 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• Level 4 felony:
  • Between 2 and 12 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• Level 5 felony:
  • Between 1 and 6 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines
• Level 6 felony:
  • Between 6 months and 2 1/2 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $10,000 in fines

At Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., we are prepared to do everything we can to seek 
a favorable result in your case.

Habitual Offender Designation

In Indiana, people convicted of felony crimes can be considered habitual offenders. This designation is assigned when the individual has previously been convicted of one or more felonies (depending on the situation) and has been found guilty of another one.

The habitual offender designation is not a separate offense, but rather allows for a court to impose an enhanced sentence.

Additional terms of imprisonment may be levied as follows:

• Between 6 and 20 years for murder or Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 felonies
• Between 2 and 6 years for Level 5 or 6 felonies

Whether this is your first felony or a subsequent charge, you can be facing a lengthy prison sentence. Our felony crime lawyers in Fort Wayne can aggressively challenge the accusations made against you, working hard to protect your freedom.

Indiana's Juvenile Felony Laws

A person under 18 years of age alleged to have committed a felony crime will go through one of two justice processes.

Generally, criminal cases involving minors fall under the jurisdiction of juvenile courts. These courts recognize that children are still developing and may engage in unlawful conduct, not fully understanding the repercussions of their behavior. As such, a judge will impose sanctions focusing on rehabilitating the minor. The sanctions may include placement in a juvenile center or probation or being ordered to counseling or social services programs, among other penalties.

In severe felony cases, minors can be tried as adults. There are two ways in which a minor's case can be sent to adult criminal court: 1) when the juvenile court does not have jurisdiction, or 2) when the juvenile court waives jurisdiction (IC 31-30-3-1).

Under IC-31-30-1-4, juvenile courts do not have jurisdiction when a minor is at least 16 years of age and has been charged with any of the following offenses:

• Attempted murder
• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Rape
• Robbery (either involving a weapon or causing bodily injury or serious bodily injury)
• Carrying a handgun without a license
• Children and firearms

A juvenile court can waive jurisdiction for the following:

• Heinous or aggravated felonies
• Felony controlled substance offense
• Murder
• Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 felonies
• Involuntary manslaughter (Level 5 felony)
• Reckless homicide (Level 5 felony)
• A felony when the minor has a previous felony or nontraffic misdemeanor conviction

At Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., our Fort Wayne felony crime attorneys have experience handling juvenile crime cases. Whether your or your child's matter is processed through the juvenile or adult justice system, you can be confident that we have the knowledge and skills to deliver competent legal representation at every stage.

How Our Experienced Fort Wayne Felony Crimes Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the complexities of felony charges can be overwhelming, especially when your future is at stake. It's crucial to understand that you have rights, and having an experienced attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., we are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.

Here are some key reasons why legal representation is essential:

• Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process, helping you understand the charges against you and the potential consequences.
• Strategic Defense: We will develop a personalized defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
• Negotiation Skills: Our team is skilled in negotiating plea deals and reducing charges, which can lead to lesser penalties or alternative sentencing options.
• Emotional Support: Facing felony charges can be a stressful experience. Our compassionate team provides support and reassurance during this challenging time.
• Access to Resources: We have access to expert witnesses, investigators, and other resources that can strengthen your defense and provide a comprehensive approach to your case.

If you or a loved one is facing felony charges, don’t navigate this journey alone. Contact Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C. today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future.

Contact a Fort Wayne Felony Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a felony in Fort Wayne is serious, but that does not mean you cannot fight your charge. You have the right to defend your innocence and to do so with the help of an attorney. At Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., we will focus on your best interests as we zealously advocate for you.

Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Fort Wayne frlony crimes attorney by calling (888) 912-7220 
or submitting an online contact form today.